Declaring May 15th as Living Beyond Breast Cancer Day in Philadelphia.

WHEREAS, This year, nearly 200,000 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in the United States; and

WHEREAS, Living Beyond Breast Cancer (LBBC) is a non-profit organization, headquartered in the Greater Philadelphia Area, that is nationally recognized for the quality of their educational programs. LBBC offers medical, psychosocial, emotional, and legal support at low or no cost to

nearly 60,000 women each year; and

WHEREAS, LBBC was founded in 1991 by radiation oncologist Marisa C. Weiss, MD, in response to a woman's need for breast-cancer-related information, connection and support after completing treatment; and

WHEREAS, Today, LBBC has expanded to assist women at all stages of diagnosis, treatment and recovery. Their mission includes offering specialized programs and services for the newly diagnosed, young women, women with advanced breast cancer, women at high risk for developing the disease, and African-American and Latina women. They also offer programs for caregivers and healthcare professionals to help them better meet the needs of women affected by breast cancer; and

WHEREAS, As a national education and support organization, LBBC's goal is to improve the quality of life and empower women with breast cancer to take an active role in ongoing recovery or management of the disease, regardless of educational background, social support or financial means; and

WHEREAS, Living Beyond Breast Cancer Day promotes LBBC's efforts to advocate for and empower all women affected by breast cancer to live as long as possible with the best quality of life; and

WHEREAS, In 2010, May 16 was declared Living Beyond Breast Cancer Day. This day honored the nearly 2.5 million breast cancer survivors, their family and friends. The day's activities included

Yoga on the Steps

of the Philadelphia Art Museum led by certified Yoga Instructor Jennifer Schelter. Over 1,200 participants attended last years' events and helped surpass LBBC's fundraising goal by raising $220,000; and

WHEREAS, This year, LBBC plans to host

Yoga on the Steps

in more cities to spread awareness about the organization's programs and services. In 2009, Wake Forest University released study data supporting the positive impact of yoga on the emotional health of women affected by breast cancer. Yoga can be performed by people of any age or physical condition—no prior experience is necessary; and

WHEREAS, This year's event encourages individuals and teams to fundraise - the goal is $250,000 - for LBBC's education and support programs. These programs, including three national conferences and monthly teleconferences and community meetings, are offered to women for little to no cost; and

WHEREAS, LBBC uses the generous financial support they receive wisely with at least 83 cents of every dollar going directly to programs; and

WHEREAS, LBBC should be commended for its ongoing efforts to address this health crisis and support women living with this disease; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, THAT THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, Declares and recognizes May 15th as Living Beyond Breast Cancer Day.

FURTHER RESOLVED, That an Engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to Living Beyond Breast Cancer as evidence of the sincere sentiments and recognition of this legislative body.

End